Unlock the Secret to Transforming Your Kde 4 into the Classic Kde 3 with Just One Click!

If you are a fan of the classic KDE 3 desktop, you are in luck! With just one click, you can transform your KDE 4 desktop into the classic KDE 3 look and feel. This is perfect for those who prefer the simplicity and elegance of the old KDE 3 desktop environment.

Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Install KDE 3 Look and Feel Theme

The first step is to install the KDE 3 look and feel theme. This can be done by using your package manager or by downloading the theme from the KDE look and feel website.

Step 2: Apply the KDE 3 Look and Feel Theme

Once you have installed the KDE 3 look and feel theme, you can apply it by going to System Settings > Workspace Theme > Look and Feel. Here, you can select the KDE 3 look and feel theme from the list of available themes.

Step 3: Restart Your System

After applying the KDE 3 look and feel theme, you need to restart your system for the changes to take effect. Once your system has restarted, you will now be greeted with the classic KDE 3 look and feel.

Benefits of Using the KDE 3 Look and Feel Theme

There are many benefits to using the KDE 3 look and feel theme. One of the biggest benefits is the simplicity and elegance of the old KDE 3 desktop environment. The classic KDE 3 desktop environment is clean, easy to use, and highly customizable.

Another benefit of using the KDE 3 look and feel theme is that it will breathe new life into your old computer. If you have an older computer that is struggling to keep up with the latest version of KDE, the classic KDE 3 look and feel can give your computer a new lease of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a fan of the classic KDE 3 desktop environment, you can easily transform your KDE 4 desktop into the classic KDE 3 look and feel theme with just one click. This is a great way to enjoy the simplicity and elegance of the old KDE 3 desktop environment, while retaining the modern features of the latest version of KDE. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see for yourself!

When KDE 4 was first released, it was met with both hope and dismay, depending on the person you asked. Some loved everything from the new interface to the improved functionality. Others called it a significant step, but one in the wrong direction.

Those purists still love KDE 3.5, and many of them continue to use the supported version of it called Trinity Desktop Environment. Others, however, mainly just preferred the KDE 3.5 look over the current Plasma Air appearance. If that is the case, Plasma gives you the flexibility to make your KDE 4 desktop look like KDE 3.5.

The Panel

In terms of functionality, much of the KDE panel has not changed. You still have a “K” button, a pager, a task manager, a system tray, and a clock. The default Plasma appearance, however, looks radically different. Furthermore, the Kickoff menu is big and clunky compared to the simple KDE 3.5 menu.

To change the panel’s appearance, do the following:

  • Download the “Vintage” Plasma theme (Unfortunately, there is a problem with the packing of this theme on KDE-Look.org. I repacked it and have made it available here.)
  • Unpack the theme and copy it to your desktop theme folder: /hom/[username]/.kde/share/apps/desktoptheme
  • Open “System Settings”
  • Choose “Workspace Appearance”
  • Click “Desktop Theme”
  • Choose “KVintage”
  • Click “Apply”.

The Desktop

The default KDE 4 desktop uses folderview widgets and icons that are also widgets. If you prefer a desktop that functions like the KDE 3 desktop, KDE 4 can handle that too.

  • Right click on the desktop
  • Click “Desktop Settings”
  • If necessary, click “Unlock Widgets”
  • For “Layout” change it from “Desktop” to “Folder View”
  • Click “OK”

You should now have a more traditional-looking and functioning desktop.

The K Menu

The kickoff menu is very robust with a great deal of functionality, but if you want the simple menu from KDE 3, simply remove the application launcher widget and replace it with the traditional one.

  • Right click on the “K” button on the panel
  • Click “Remove this application launcher”
  • Right click again on the panel and click “Add widgets”
  • Drag the “Application Launcher Menu” widget to the panel

You should now have the traditional application launcher menu from KDE 3.5.

The Icons

The default KDE icon set is called Oxygen, but you can use whatever icons you want, as long as they are properly configured for KDE4’s structure. Fortunately, someone has repackaged the KDE3 CrystalSVG icon theme.

  • Download the icon theme manually
  • Open “System Settings”
  • Click “Application Appearance” and then “Icons”
  • Click “Install Theme File”
  • Locate the icon set you just download and select it
  • Choose the icon theme from the list and click “Apply”

Application and Window Decoration Appearance

Most of the old KDE 3 window decorations and styles are still around in KDE 4. To use them, all you have to do is select them in System Settings. To change the style:

  • Click “Application Appearance”
  • Next to “Widget style” select the theme you want, “Plastique” for example
  • Click “Apply”

To change the window decoration:

  • In System Settings, choose “Workspace Appearance”
  • Choose “Window Decorations”
  • Select the theme you want, such as “Plastik”

The File Manager

One of the most monumental changes from KDE 3 to KDE 4 was the introduction of Dolphin, a new file manager to relieve Konqueror of one its multiple responsibilities. To have a true KDE 3.5 experience, you will need to make Konqueror your default file manager.

  • Open “System Settings” and choose “Default Applications”
  • Select “File Manager” from the left pane
  • Select “Konqueror” and click “Apply”

Once you have all of these changes in place, you may start to see KDE 4 in a different light. Although many features under the hood have changed, it is still possible to get the KDE 3.5 look and feel back on your desktop.

Tavis J. Hampton is a freelance writer from Indianapolis. He is an avid user of free and open source software and strongly believes that software and knowledge should be free and accessible to all people. He enjoys reading, writing, teaching, spending time with his family, and playing with gadgets.

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